As part of the healthcare system’s overall response to the Covid-19 crisis, pharmacy regulators and professional associations across all provinces, plus federal and provincial governments, have aligned on necessary measures to manage and protect the drug supply for all Canadians. This includes limiting, where possible, the prescribing and dispensing of chronic medications to a 30-day supply in order to reduce the risk of drug shortages that could arise from activities such as stockpiling or disruptions to the supply chain.

We understand that measures such as filling prescriptions in 30 days supplies can have cost implications for some patients who will bear the expense of additional co-pays/dispensing fees. That is why our advocacy bodies, both provincially and nationally, have been calling for public and private payors to cover the additional dispensing costs for Canadians – and there had been some success. As of this writing, provincial plans in Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, will be covering the additional dispensing costs for their beneficiaries. Our National Pharmacy advocates continue to request that these costs be covered in the other jurisdictions as well.

The 30 days supply measures are temporary and designed to enable pharmacies to help ensure all Canadians continue to have access to medications throughout this challenging time. As healthcare professionals, pharmacists are ethically bound to promote and protect the health, well-being, safety and interest of the public. We continue to do all we can to provide patients with secure and safe access to essential services during this crisis. Costs incurred in dispensing medication are covered by the dispensing fee. We ask for the public’s patience and understanding during this time and encourage people to speak with their pharmacist about any concerns.